Eleven job-creating projects worth more than $350 million have been approved through the State Government’s significant development pathway to help support Western Australia sustain its economic recovery.
Planning Minister Rita Saffioti was onsite in South Perth today to turn the sod on a $40 million 15-storey apartment tower that will support 50 local jobs.
Located on Parker Street, and to be constructed by Built, the apartment development was designed with input from the owners of the site’s former townhouses to give residents an opportunity to age in place.
The temporary development assessment pathway through the Western Australian Planning Commission was established last year as part of the McGowan Government’s package of planning reforms to drive economic recovery by streamlining the assessment of shovel-ready, job-creating projects.
Construction will soon commence on two other significant developments – a $50 million LNG plant in Mt Magnet and the $32.5 million State Football Centre in Queens Park.
These projects will be followed by two residential aged care facilities, a student accommodation facility, a shopping centre and a hotel, creating local jobs during construction and in ongoing operations.
A further 10 applications worth a total of $1.5 billion are currently under assessment and discussions are also underway with another 28 proponents on a range of commercial, retail, residential, regional tourism and industrial projects.
Since opening last July, 70 proponents have expressed interest in the pathway demonstrating development industry need for the streamlined assessment process, particularly for complex projects.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Last year we passed historic planning reforms to slash red tape, create local jobs and help support the Western Australian economy through COVID-19.
“Our alternate development assessment pathway has been a great success with 11 major job-creating proposals now approved.
“This is an investment of more than $350 million which will create more than 2,300 local jobs while also delivering long term supply opportunities that will benefit our economy and community for years to come.”
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Today is a great milestone for the residents of 8 Parker Street and for our State’s economy with works kicking off on one of the major projects approved through the significant development pathway.
“This South Perth development is an innovative example of how neighbouring residents can work together to achieve new housing outcomes.
“Owners of the former townhouses on the site worked to develop a proposal and progress it through the assessment process to create diverse new housing opportunities.
“With 11 proposals approved and around 70 proponents having expressed interest in accessing the pathway, it is clear to see why the McGowan Government prioritised these reforms early in the pandemic.”
